Blog Archives
Comic Books for Casual Readers: Death of Dr. Strange + One Star Squadron
If you are interested in comic book, but overwhelmed by the selection at your local comic book shop or online, you’re not alone. Starting out (or re-starting after some time away from the hobby) is intimidating. With most Marvel and DC titles having decades of continuity, it can be hard to know where to jump in.
Recently, we’ve been covering more titles that we hope are good starting points for casual comics readers. We’re reading new comics and offering reviews from comic book newcomers and novices to help you answer the question “What’s a good comic book for casual readers”?
On this episode, we are reviewing two titles:
Death of Dr. Strange #1 (Marvel Comics)
Written by: Jed Mackay
One Star Squadron #1 (DC Comics)
Written by: Mark Russell
We discuss not just how good and fun these comics are, but how much will new readers be able to enjoy the books. You can listen to the Casual Comics Cast on your favorite streaming platform, or at the link below.
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/casualcomicsguy
We hope you’ll join us!
- CCG
Casual Comics Preview and Hot Picks– Week of January 22, 2020
A couple of quick housekeeping items before I get to the Hot New Comics of the Week:
I was promised help this week from my podcast mates. They did not deliver. And, thus, these picks are once again the sole responsibility of me – your friendly Casual Comics Guy. I’ll take all the blame (and of course, the accolades) on these picks.
But, do take a moment to listen to the podcast if you haven’t yet. And feel free to leave comments in the web zone below.
Casual Comic Picks of the Week
Frankenstein Undone #1
OK – it’s the first issue in a series. Just the right time to get on board with the comic. The Frankenstein myth is also an easy gateway into an unfamiliar title.
Frankenstein Undone #1, Dark Horse Comics. By Mike Mignola, Scott Allie, Ben Steinbeck, Brendan Wagner.
Mignola takes on Frankenstein! Frankenstein’s creator lies dead in the icy grip of the Arctic, and the monster searches for a new purpose. Just as he thinks he’s found one with a group of unlikely companions, disaster strikes–and the monster is catapulted out of Mary Shelley’s novel and into the world of Hellboy. Bridging Mary Shelley’s original Frankenstein novella and Mike Mignola’s Frankenstein Underground, this series brings together Mignola, Scott Allie, Ben Stenbeck, Brennan Wagner, and Clem Robins for an all-new horror adventure in the far north.
I’m not familiar with Mignola’s “Frankenstein Underground”, but he’s got an excellent track record for interesting gothic tales. Oh, so many years ago, I loved Fred Saberhagen’s “The Frankenstein Papers”, and the solicit for this comic gives me the same chills.
Clue TPB Candlestick
I’ve heard a ton of great things about this series from the fine gentlemen over at the Two Headed Nerd podcast. If you don’t already listen, you should.
Also, in running down my top movies of 2019, I find myself putting “Knives Out” easily in the top 5. So, maybe it’s time for the reinvention of the murder mystery genre.
Clue Candlestick Trade Paperback, IDW Publishing. By Dash Shaw
Who did it? How’d they do it? And where? Answer these classic questions and solve the mystery in this graphic novel based on the timeless detective game. Cartoonist auteur Dash Shaw unleashes his murderous imagination on the quirky, thrilling, and mysterious world of Clue! Ripe with puzzles, secrets, and lies, everyone’s a suspect in this suspense-filled whodunit! Was it Miss Scarlet in the conservatory with the lead pipe? Suspicions mount as bodies start piling up.
More than 50% of my interest is from the raves that this got from the THN podcast. Now that it’s in a collected edition, sounds like the perfect time to pick it up.
Red Sonja and Vampirella Meet Betty and Veronica #8
That’s a lot of characters from a lot of different universes all packed into one comic. How did they get through seven issues without me knowing about this title? Guess it’s my lack of ability to get to the comic shop every week.
Red Sonja and Vampirella Meet and Betty Veronica #8, Dynamite Entertainment. By Amy Chu , Maria Sanapo , Fay Dalton
Ever wonder how Red Sonja and Vampirella could make it to Riverdale to hang out with Betty and Veronica? Now you’re about to find out! But to do so, you’ll have to travel deep into interstellar space, for the answer lies not on Earth, but on Drakulon! And the revelation is TWICE as bananas as you could imagine!
Did I ever wonder… I absolutely did as soon as I read the title. If it was only as bananas as I could imagine, I might just wait. But it’s apparently TWICE as bananas as I can imagine. And that’s pretty darn bananas. Count me in for this issue.
I’m going to go ahead and assume that there’s no exaggeration going on here, and that this book is 2x as much craziness as I can imagine and name “Red Sonja and Vampirella Meet Betty and Veronica #8” as my Casual Comics Hot Pick of the Week!
Until we meet again… Cheers!
- CCG
Hot Comics of the Week – Snowed-in edition (Week of February 18, 2015)
This week, I decided to call in the big guns for the weekly picks. Once again, the guys at Dragon’s Lair in Omaha, NE have personally curated your selection of comics for this week.
I sent a message to CJ early in the week asking him if he could send over picks, and he graciously agreed. Then, he let me know mid-week that the comics were late arriving due to the weather, and so his picks would also be arriving later. I asked if he could just give me a list of the hot books before the shipment came in, to which he replied, “Tough to tell what’s gonna be good without actually seeing them.”
Reading the books before making the picks? I guess I learn something new every day.
So, this week, you get the insights of someone who has actually read the books being recommended here.
Silk#1
Silk #1. Writer: Robbie Thompson Art: Stacey Lee Cover: Dave Johnson . Marvel Comics.
Last week, I talked about my plans to catch up with the Spider Verse story arc. Based on the solicit for this book, I fear I may be too far behind for it to ever make sense.
Cindy Moon exploded out of her bunker and into the Marvel Universe when we first learned that she had been bitten by that same radioactive spider in the first arc of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN. She then went on to save Peter Parker’s life (more than once!) and traverse the Spider-verse alongside Spider-Woman. Now, as SILK, Cindy is on her own in New York City, searching for her past, defining her own future, and webbing up wrong-doers along the way! Robbie Thompson (writer from TV’s Supernatural) fills this new ongoing series with his unique blend of antics and feels. Featuring stunning covers by Eisner Award winner Dave Johnson and interiors by future superstar Stacey Lee.
This sounds more complicated than the dreaded Clone Saga, but is far more widely acclaimed. Between Silk and Spider Gwen, I guess I have some catching up to do.
Legendary Star Lord #9
Legendary Star Lord #9. Writer: Sam Humphries Art: Paco Medina Cover: Paco Medina. Marvel Comics.
I’m glad CJ read this one, because this might win the award for “Worst Comic Cover of the Month”. Let’s count down the individual elements that add up to an awful comic book cover.
Whatever that artifact is that dominates the center of the cover looks ridiculous – something like an Oscar trophy modeled after Luke Cage and Deadmaus’ love-child.
- Star-Lord’s ludicrous Firestorm hairdo.
- Cyclops is not just a boring dud, but also appears to be a dumb mouth-breather here.
- I have no idea who that space pirate behind Cyclops is. He sure seems happy, though.
- Is Kitty Pryde preparing to fight or to give Storm a scalp massage? Read this thrilling issue to find out.
- Just to the left of the space trophy… Is that Booster Gold? How did he get here?
- Jean Grey looks like she’s ready to wash that man right out of her hair…
- And, finally, the most egregious offense of this cover – The ridiculous pose in the lower right corner.
So, there you have it. Just two picks this time. And they’re delivered late, to boot. But, at least this time they were carefully curated by someone who actually read the books before I recommended them. More to come once the Midwest thaws out…
Cheers!
– CCG
Hot Comic Preview of the Week (December 17, 2014)
You might be asking why I’m previewing a comic so far in advance. But then, you’ll feast your eyes on the below image, and you’ll completely get it.
Sooo dreamy….
This gorgeous image popped up online and I was completely blown away. Just the cover image makes me want to pick up the back issues of the Tenth Doctor comic series. But wait, there’s more…
GABBY IS DYING FOR HER ART!
With the Doctor half the man he should be, under the draining influence of an alien tourist trap, Gabriella is left to shoulder the burden of saving him, the planet, and the future of art in our galaxy – and all on her first off-world trip, no less!
Trapped in a terrifying creative retreat, where what was once beautiful has been rendered corrupt and horrifying, is Gabby strong enough to reverse whatever has been done to the Doctor and save an intergalactic artistic community from itself? You’d better hope so!
And who, or what, are the deadly Consultants… and what plans do they have for the Doctor?!
Who is Gabby? Well, she’s obviously a companion for the Tenth Doctor we’ve not met on the TV series. I’m so jazzed for this issue, I just had to interrupt my regular, irregular, comic picks to pre-emptively name The Tenth Doctor #5 as the Official Hot Comic Pick of the Week two weeks in advance of its release.
Cheers!
CCG
Casual Comics Guy Hot Picks of the Week: Thanksgiving Edition! (November 26, 2014)
Happy Turkey Day, everyone. Hope you’ll all be with family and friends this week, enjoying a wonderful holiday meal. If you can throw some comics into the mix, that’s even better.
I’ll be weighing in next week with the beginning of my 2014 comic book holiday gift guide. And, If I find any cool Black Friday sales, I’ll post them as well, so stay tuned.
Let’s thumb through the weekly new comic releases and see what’s cooking.
Crypt Of Horror TPB Vol. 23
Crypt of Horror TPB #23. By: France Herron, Mort Lawrence, Basil Wolverton. AC Comics.
With the plethora of horror/zombie comics nowadays, it’s hard to find something different. The Walking Dead just won’t die. Afterlife with Archie had a quality first story arc. But, at this point, it might be best to look backwards to find something new. I always loved the old EC Comics, and now AC Comics (probably not meant to mislead buyers into thinking it’s EC reprints) is collecting old horror tales from Fawcett, St. John, Superior, Avon, Ajax, and “other forgotten publishers from the 1950s”. If it’s good, the first 22 compilations might hit the Official Casual Comics Holiday Buying Guide.
Planet Gigantic #1
Planet Gigantic #1. Writer: Eric Grissom Art: David Halvorson Cover: David Halvorson . Action Lab Entertainment.
Hang on…
OK, just finished bracing my mind for Planetfall, as per the cover’s instructions.
This book just plain looks gorgeous. When the girl riding the winged lion is the “Also in this issue” feature, the main feature better be action-packed. Fingers crossed that this one can live up to its own cover.
Django Zorro #1
Django Zorro #1. Writer: Quentin Tarantino Art: Esteve Polls Cover: Jae Lee . Dynamite Entertainment.
It’s the crossover no one knew they wanted – until now. And while I’m still not sure I want it, it sounds like Tarantino actually wrote the story, and Matt Wagner – a talented guy in his own right – collaborated, so it’s worth checking out. The description is a little long, but I guess you’ve got to try and explain it somehow.
Set several years after the events of Django Unchained, Django/Zorro #1 finds Django again pursuing the evil that men do in his role as a bounty hunter. Since there’s a warrant on his head back east, he’s mainly been plying his trade in the western states. After safely settling his wife, Broomhilda, near Chicago, he’s again taken to the road, sending her funds whenever he completes a job. It’s by sheer chance that he encounters the aged and sophisticated Diego de la Vega – the famed Zorro – and soon finds himself fascinated by this unusual character, the first wealthy white man he’s ever met who seems totally unconcerned with the color of Django’s skin… and who can hold his own in a fight. He hires on as Diego’s “bodyguard” for one adventure and is soon drawn into a fight to free the local indigenous people from a brutal servitude, discovering that slavery isn’t exclusive to black folks. In the course of this adventure, he learns much from the older man (much like King Schultz) and, on several occasions, even dons the mask and the whip… of The Fox!
Tarantino says this book is “canon” for Django, which I can’t see mattering for now. Feel free to correct me in 10 years when internet flame wars are breaking out during the Inglourious Basterds / Sgt. Fury and his Howlin’ Commandos crossover multi-media event.
Django/Zorro has GOT to be the weirdest crossover I’ve even seen.
Angry Birds / Transformers #1
Angry Birds Transformers #1. Writer: John Barber Art: Marcelo Ferreira Cover: Marcelo Ferreira . IDW.
So, as I was saying… Django/Zorro has GOT to be the second weirdest crossover I’ve even seen.
He Man And The Masters Of The Universe #19
He Man And The Masters Of The Universe #19. By: Rob David, Joelle Jones, Stjepan Sejic. DC Comics
This is one of those small pleasures that comes from being a casual comics fan. Oh, He Man And The Masters Of The Universe #19… Here are all the reasons you’re magnificent.
- I had no idea that there was a He-Man comic book. Even though it’s on issue #19, it’s news to me, and it warms my heart.
- Because I haven’t read it, I can imagine that it features all my favorite Masters of the Universe characters (aka – the ones my brother had action figures of): Stinkor, Tri-clops, the guy covered in moss (Moss Man?), and the blue-skinned He-Man. The only thing better would be if He-Man had a dragon backpack that squirted water.
- I get a chuckle from the cover. He-Man does not seem to require a dark and gritty cover image. I’m going to have to check the interior pages and see if they just go back to the same old four-color cheese I loved from He-Man.
Nope… Dang it. This looks more like bad 90s art than bad 80s art.
Here are the most wonderfully crafted four sentences I’ve read in a long time:
The secrets of the House of Grayskull are revealed! Flash back to Prince Adam’s childhood, when rebellion struck King Randor’s throne. What does this moment in time mean for the future war in Eternia? Find out in this prelude to MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE: THE ETERNITY WAR #1!
Four sentences. One statement, one question, and two exclamations! Dark secrets abound in the land of Eternia. AND there’s apparently a special mini-series coming.
This gives me great hope that I can convince Marvel to resurrect the greatest comic of all time. Joe Quesada, I’m begging you… FREE CRYSTAR!
For all these reasons, He Man And The Masters Of The Universe #19 is the Official Casual Comics Hot Pick of the Week. Give thanks, y’all for the wonderful weirdness you find trawling the wild world of comics.
And I’m thankful this week for all of you readers. I’m still in transit to Ohio, so thanks for sticking with the sporadic updates. You’re the BEST!
For now, let’s take a peek at my favorite comic duo of all time at their Thanksgiving gathering.
And just like that – no matter how awkward your Thanksgiving gets, at least you won’t have a wet guy with drawn on eyebrows and wearing a Speedo shooting daggers at your dad with his eyes. Scarlet Witch, I don’t know how you do it, but kudos to you on one heck of a spread for the holiday.
This week, be thankful for your local comic shop and support them by buying something!
Cheers!
– CCG
Casual Comics Guy Hot Picks of the Week (October 22, 2014)
Still spooky time here in the Casual Comics Corner of the universe. I’m on the prowl for scary, weird, or otherwise holiday-themed books. I’m sure I won’t find anything this brilliant…
Why are his pants ripped? His calves aren’t THAT big…
Memetic #1 (of 3)
Memetic #1. Boom! Studios: October 22, 2014 Writer: James TynionIV Art: Eryk Donovan Cover: Eryk Donovan
Bingo! I love getting in on the ground floor of a limited series. No crazy continuity to try and follow. And, I should be able to read it through to the end without too much trouble. Especially since it’s coming out as three super-size (48 page) issues instead of six regular sized monthly books.
Why it’s spooky: Just read the solicit…
” Meme is an idea that starts with an individual, and then spreads throughout multiple persons and potentially entire societies. Richard Dawkins suggests a meme’s success comes from its effectiveness to the host. But history shows that destructive memes can spread just as rapidly through society. MEMETIC shows the progression of a weaponized meme that leads to the utter annihilation of the human race within 72 hours. The root of this apocalypse is a single image on the internet, a ‘meme’ in the popular sense. A meme that changes everything.”
Arkham Manor #1
Arkham Manor #1. DC Comics: October 22, 2014 Writer: Gerry Duggan Art: Shawn Crystal Cover: Shawn Crystal
What? Wayne Manor getting overrun by some of the scariest Batman villains of all time. And apparently, they’re vandalizing Bruce’s property.
Why it’s spooky: Just look at the cover. It’s got all the weirdest members of Batman’s rogues gallery. There’s Scarecrow…Mad Hatter… Guy who draws on his own face that looks like he’s just seen The Silence from Doctor Who. Actually, if The Silence are in this book, it rockets to number one on the must-read list. It’s much more likely that it’s just some other dude I don’t know because I haven”t read a Batman comic in ages.
Last Unicorn TPB
Last Unicorn TPB. By: Peter S. Beagle, Renae De Liz
I love this movie. I had no idea that they were releasing a trade paperback and then – like magic – I just ran across a copy of the hardback at Barnes and Noble tonight. And, if you’ve never seen it, you should definitely watch it. It used to be streaming online for free, but now I think you’re going to have to pay to stream it on Amazon.
Why it’s spooky: The Red Bull in the story still gives me nightmares.
She-Hulk #9
She-hulk #9. By: Charles Soule, Javier Pulido, Kevin Wada
She-Hulk is such a great book. Charles Soule is knocking it out of the park. Some people aren’t a big fan of Javier Pulido’s idiosyncratic art, but I’ve always found it endearing. I’m glad that the title doesn’t have the hyper-detailed art that most Marvel titles employ. Getting something a little more abstract reminds one that you don’t need a She-Hulk you can ogle, so much as you need one with heart (and brains).
A welcome relief from the normal overly-sexualized heroine we get in the books.
And for those of you who don’t like Pulido… at least Ron Wimberly isn’t drawing the book any more.
AHHHHHHH!!!! MY EYES!!!!!
Why it’s spooky: Because even though this is probably one of the best titles Marvel is publishing right now, I just found out they’re pulling the plug after issue #12. Boooo!
In almost any other week, She-Hulk would easily nail down the top spot. But… guess what I just found!
Borderland’s: Fall of Fyrestone #3
Borderlands Fall Of Fyrestone #3. By: Mike Neumann, Agustin Padilla.
A Borderlands comic? I know IDW licences a bunch of properties, but this is one of the few where I think it’s a GREAT idea.
Borderlands has to be the funniest, most surreal games I’ve ever played. If Neumann can bring half the humor to this book from the game series, this will be well worth checking out.
Why it’s spooky: This issue features one of my favorite bad guys from the first Borderlands – Nine Toes. (That’s not the only appendage he’s got an odd number of)
Between the comic and the release of the new video game, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, it’s a Vault Hunter’s life for me. That’s why Borderland’s: Fall of Fyrestone #3 is my Official Casual Comics Hot Pick of the Week.
Until next time, support your local comic book shop.
Cheers!
CCG
Casual Comics Guy – Hot Comic Picks (Week of October 8, 2014)
It’s finally October. Well, I guess last week was technically October, too, but it’s finally cooling off and starting to feel like fall. I’m starting to feel the urge for scary movies and moody comics. Let’s see what this week holds for us.
The October Faction #1
The October Faction #1. Idw Publishing: October 22, 2014 Writer: Steve Niles Art: Damien Worm Cover: Damien Worm .
So, Steve Niles. That guy is pretty well respected. I mean, 30 Days of Night had a great story. Even though the art was unbearably terrible, it was still worth reading just for the cool concept. So what does Niles have in store for us this time:
“The creative team behind Monster & Madman would like to introduce you to the ongoing adventures of retired monster-hunter Frederick Allan and his family? which include a thrill-killer, a witch, and a warlock. Because sometimes crazy is the glue that binds a family together.”
All right… I’ll check it out. The art can’t be worse than 30 Days of Night….
Doctor Who 10th #3
Doctor Who 10th #3. By: Nick Abadzis, Elena Casagrande, Verity Glass. Titan.
The Doctor is back.
The Tenth Doctor is back.
To paraphrase “The Man”… “I’ve said enough.”
Also, I’d love to frame this cover and hang it on the wall.
Bad Dreams #5 (of 5)
Bad Dreams #5 (of 5). By: Gary Winnick. Red 5 Comics.
This is an unbearably beautiful cover for a very interesting book. I featured the first issue in a previous “Hot Picks of the Week” column. Now that the mini-series is winding down, I feel compelled to pick them all up. You can be ceratain that you’ll see the trade paperback (best friend of casual comics fans everywhere) featured soon.
“Using an enchanted potion Mary frees her companions from the Dream Queen’s spell. But time is running out for them, they must find the talisman they’ve been searching for to release Mother Night and discover their true nature.
As an all out assault on the palace ensues, their final confrontation between light and dark will ultimately reveal all. “
Well, if it’s the last issue, I’d certainly hope they would “ultimately reveal all”. Thanks for nothing lazy solicitation writer…
Worst Comic of the Week:
Mighty Titan #3
Mighty Titan #3. By: Joe Martino, Luca Cicchitti, Steve Lightle. Rare Bird Books.
This may or may not be a new category. I honestly can’t recall. It’s late. I’m on Eastern Time now. And I’ve been browsing more than my recommended daily allowance of comics.
One thing is for sure. This is the WORST comic of the week. It’s trying so hard to be “hot” that it’s the complete opposite. Let’s set aside the horrifyingly non-functional costume on the woman here. Let’s set aside the terrifyingly poor costume design on the guy. They both look like far too stiff action figures, And, I think she’s supposed to look seductive, but instead she looks like she’s going to plunge her claws into his chest Mola Ram-style.
Then there’s the hilariously bad cyclops behind them. Everything about the cover to this issue amplifies the argument that comics are for stunted pre-teens whose brains are damaged by heavy metal music.
But let’s be fair and find out what the plot of this comic is:
“The Mighty Titan is now aware of his cancer diagnosis. A surprise meeting with a super-powered woman, Caress, sends him reeling into a sea of anger and doubt. Joe Martino’s The Mighty Titan wraps his experiences as a cancer survivor in a super-hero shell.”
Actual real-time reaction?
*groan*… Caress? *sigh* cancer again..stop already… super-hero shell… *groooooaaaaan*
This is the worst thing I’ve seen in a long time. And I just saw a skunk run over on the highway a few weeks back.
Miracleman #12
Miracleman #12. By: The Original Writer, John Totleben, Adam Hughes. Marvel Comics.
I still count it as a miracle that Marvel is finally reprinting this classic series. For those of you who don’t know, issues 11-15 are the hardest back issues to find. Which is weird, because they are the climax of this first story arc. Reading the apex of this story arc changed my view of comics forever.
As you can see, Alan Moore still continues to be a jack-hole about the credits to the comic. But, if you want to see the best work Alan Moore ever did, you’ll be reading (or re-reading) this classic series. The continuing revelation of the true source of Mike Moran’s powers, plus the introduction to Miraclewoman would normally be enough. But, this issue also slips in the re-introduction to the super-evil Kid Miracelman. It might sound silly, but that’s the point. Moore creates one of the best, most tragic story arcs in all of comics and this is smack in the middle of it.
That’s why Miracleman #12 is the Official Casual Comics Hot Comic Book of the Week.
(Also, be prepared for #13-15 to be the hot picks, regardless of what else comes out those weeks…) In the meantime, support your local comic book shop.
Cheers!
– CCG
Casual Comics Hot Comic Book Picks of the Week – October 1, 2014
October is upon us. It’s finally spooky season. Let’s tremble together as we try and figure out what comic publishers are up to this week. I’m so out of it, comics-wise, that this is going to be scary.
Sing No Evil: Graphic Novel
Sing No Evil. By: JP Ahonen, KP Alare. Abrams Comicarts.
This is listed in the promotional materials under “Horror”. The cover isn’t particularly spooky. Let’s see what the solicit says:
“Twenty-something guitarist Aksel stutters when he sings, and the latest reviews say he has the voice of a crow with throat plague. That’s not a compliment, even for the avant-garde music his band Perkeros plays. Aksel is having a hard time keeping the band together, stopping his girlfriend from kicking him out, and not getting eaten by his drummer (who happens to be a cranky brown bear). There are also the rival bands that Perkeros find themselves in battle with to save the city from supernatural forces set loose by ancient music. The key to it all could be in the music Aksel hears in his dreams – if it doesn’t drive him mad first.”
Hmmm… I might just go ahead and watch “Rock and Rule” again instead of reading this one.
Rock and Rule is awesome….
Critical Hit #1
Critical Hit #1. By: Matt Miner, Jonathan Brandon Sawyer. Black Mask Comics
This seems a bit more like a horror comic I can get on board with.
“Matt Miner rallies a brand new art team and launches Liberator fan-favorites Jeanette and Sarah in a bold new direction with their own gritty mission to stop a rogue gang of hunters – but the girls learn to their horror that these hunters have developed a new hobby: hunting people… and suddenly the rescuers become the prey.”
OK – So I don’t know who Jeanette and Sarah are, but they’re apparently on a “gritty” mission. I’ll give the comic props for having both of the female leads wearing sensible clothing while fighting evil. Don’t know why there’s a cat on the cover, but I guess I’ll find out. Hopefully I’m not too far behind on continuity, because this one sounds good.
Garfield #30
Garfield #30. By: Mark Evanier, Andy Hirsch. Boom! Studios.
Mark Evanier is writing Garfield now?!? This is less horror than existential dread.
Gotham Academy #1
Gotham Academy #1. By: Becky Cloonan, Karl Kerschl. DC Comics.
It’s been a long while (since the debut of Batman ’66, in fact) since I’ve been interested in any DC Comics offerings. This one has promise, though. I already love it – simply based on the cover. Let’s see if this one can live up to the promise:
“WELCOME TO GOTHAM ACADEMY! Gotham City’s most prestigious prep school is a very weird place. It’s got a spooky campus, oddball teachers, and rich benefactors always dropping by…like that weirdo Bruce Wayne. But nothing is as strange is the students!
Like, what’s up with Olive Silverlock? Is she crazy or what? Where did she go last summer? And what’s the deal with her creepy mom? And how come that Freshman MAPS is always following her around? And is she still going out with Kyle? P.S. Did you hear the rumor about the ghost in the North Hall?!
GOTHAM ACADEMY is a new, monthly teen drama set in the shadow of Batman and the craziness of Gotham City, with new characters and old plus a secret tie to Gotham’s past…”
Seems like the folks at DC have finally realized that their actual heroes are a little tired and they’re OK putting them on the sidelines while someone tells actual stories. Good for you, DC!
Alex + Ada #9
Alex + Ada #9. By: Jonathan Luna. Image Comics.
I don’t care that (because of my move to Ohio) I’ve missed issues 7 and 8. This is the best series I’ve read in a looooooong time. Seeing issue #9 just reminds me that I’ve got to get out and get 7 and 8 ASAP.
As always, when there’s an issue of Alex + Ada out, it’s obviously The Official Casual Comics Hot Pick of the Week.
I just wish Jonathan Luna would tell me if it’s “Alex and Ada” or “Alex Plus Ada”. (I prefer the latter). Think he’ll tell me if I hit him up on Twitter? Let’s find out – shall we?
While you’re waiting, you can watch the finale from “Rock and Rule”. Enjoy!
And, as always – support your local Comic Book Shop!
Cheers!
– CCG
PS – I’ll let you know what Mr. Luna says about the title of his book…
Casual Comics Hot Comic Book Picks of the Week – September 3, 2014 AND September 10, 2014
How far behind is it possible for me to be on comic books? But, my new-found lack of time is a both good and bad for this blog.
The bad? I’m way behind on weekly picks and just updating here in general. The good? That was kind of the purpose of this blog in the first place – trying to give people a peek at the world of comics from someone who is just a “casual” fan. In fact, I’ll go out on a limb and say that this is the best thing that could have happened to the Casual Comics Guy.
So, while I sit at Buffalo Wild Wings, watching the Buccaneers lose a painful football game, I’m going to look through the comics from next week and last week to tell you what I’ll be looking for if I finally manage to get to a comic shop this coming week.
Last week
I’m kind of cheating and only including last week for one thing – my retroactive OFFICIAL Casual Comics Hot Pick of the Week.
Hawkeye vs. Deadpool #0 (of 4)
Hawkeye vs. Deadpool #0 (of 4)
A limited series is always just what the doctor ordered for a casual comic book fan. The fact that this one features Hawkeye (whose current book I love) and Deadpool (who is usually good for a laugh) makes this the only book from last week I’d dig through a back issue bin to find.
One question – if this is #0 (of 4) will the last issue be #3 or #4. If the answer is that there will be five books (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4), it should be “of 5”. But then you would think they would say “of 5”, which would make you think the last issue was #5.
They kind of painted themselves into a corner, logic-wise, with the numbering.
I should also probably mention Original Sin #8, but I stopped caring about that title at #6. Actually, that’s not true. I stopped caring at #2, but Marvel got $16 more bucks out of me before I stopped buying with issue #6.
The last time I was this disappointed was… well about 10 minutes ago when I saw Logan Mankins hurt himself in the Bucs game. See… I CAN multi-task.
Original Sin #8. By: Jason Aaron, Mike Deodato, Julian Totino Tedesco. Marvel Comics. Sure to be terrible.
This Week
Dicks End Of Time #4
Dicks End Of Time #4. By: Garth Ennis, John McCrea. Avatar Press.
Last I checked in with Warren Ellis was Rover Red Charlie, which I really liked. I even thought he nailed the ending of that book. It might have been my favorite mini-series of the last two years.
So, find me a comic with Ellis’ name on it and the following description, and I’ll even go out looking for the back issues:
“The Boys from Belfast continue their trip through the annals of history as they romp through time screwing up the world for just about everyone. Garth Ennis and John McCrea leave no insult unslung as they attempt to offend every comics reader one page at a time. Don’t miss this latest wallowing in the gutter with Dougie and Ivor, the Dicks.
Available with Regular, Offensive, and Classic Moment Incentive covers by McCrea”
Teen Dog #1
Teen Dog #1. By: Jake Lawerence. BOOM Studios.
Odds of this being the worst purchase I’ll make? Extremely likely. But how can I resist this solicit:
Teen Dog is John Hughes meets ’90s Nickelodeon cartoons, two of our absolute favorite things. It’s a totally awesome adventure that stars the canine that spun out of Jake Lawrence’s web comic Time Cowboy and kickflipped his way into our hearts.
How was your high school experience? Teen Dog is high school if it didn’t totally blow, and instead totally ruled the most. Teen angst and whimsical adventures collide in this new series reminiscent of Doug, Saved By the Bell, and Kim Possible.
Admittedly, that’s a lot of name-checking, but they’er pretty good names to check.
Six Million Dollar Man Season 6 #6
Six Million Dollar Man Season 6 #6. By: James Kuhoric, Juan Antonio Ramirez, Alex Ross. Dynamite Entertainment.
Wow… Good for you. You made it six issues! Looks like Jamie and Oscar are in this issue, too! Nostalgia!!
Fantastic Four #10
Fantastic Four #10. By: James Robinson, Derliz Santacruz, Leonard Kirk. Marvel Comics.
This is another recent favorite of mine. I think the current run of FF is one of my favorite for Marvel’s first family in a looooooong time. I gotta get some of these back issues, too. I still love the red outfits. Hope the story is still good.
Showcase Captain Carrot And His Amazing Zoo Crew TPB
Showcase Captain Carrot And His Amazing Zoo Crew TPB. By: Roy Thomas, Scott Shaw. DC Comics.
For once in the history of Casual Comics Picks DC Comics finally nails down the Official Casual Comics Hot Pick of the Week – even if they had to dig into the vaults to do it.
Captain Carrot is one of my favorite DC characters of all time. i might have some of these issues in a longbox or pile of comics somewhere, but most of my run of Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew is likely to be missing. Thank you, DC Comics, for finally compiling an old series that actually deserves to be seen again.
Filled with terrible puns, great comic action, and even more terrible puns, I can’t wait to revisit the world of Captain Carrot in Gnu York (get it..? Gnu York…) And, for a book filled with awful jokes and cartoon animal superheroes, this excerpt from the Wikipedia entry reminds my why, in general, I can’t take DC Comics:
The various members of the Zoo Crew lived on a parallel Earth that, during DC’s pre-Crisis multiverse system, was named “Earth-C.” Earth-C consisted of a world where various anthropomorphized talking animals existed; the series featured many animal-themed pun names for real-world aspects.
Did they really have to try and figure out how this figured into normal DC continuity? I mean, DC also publishes Scooby Doo, Where Are You? Did they try and squeeze that into the “multi-verse” somewhere?
OK, that’s enough bitterness. Let’s see if I can find an old page from Captain Carrot to end this post on a high note.
Have a great week, all. Don’t forget to visit your local comic book shop.
Cheers!
– CCG
Hot Comics of the Week – Transition Edition (Week of 08/20)
Holy Cow, has it been a crazy month. I know even less about new comics today than I did two months ago, believe it or not. Aside from the sweet Kickstarter for Into the Void, my first comic book, I’m transitioning to a new city. Soon, you’ll be able to read about all the best comic shops in Ohio, right here on this very blog.
But, while I’m on the road and have a few minutes, I thought I’d look over the new comic list and see what’s interesting. Join me, will you, on this flight of fancy (and confusion) as I once again attempt to figure out what the heck is going on in comic book culture today.
Fables #143
Fables #143. By Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, Nimit Malavia. DC Comics.
Even if I don’t read a book anymore, sometimes I gotta give it a nod just based on longevity. Back when I was getting my MBA, I would do my homework at Border’s. Yes… this was a long time ago. And, yet, when I took a break from homework, I’d catch up on trade paperbacks of Fables. Border’s is a distant memory, but Fables soldiers on.
Infinite Crisis Fight For The Multiverse #2
Infinite Crisis Fight For The Multiverse #2. By: Dan Abnett, Tom Raney, Dan Panosian. DC Comics.
The most confusing title of the week goes to DC Comics. I’m not sure what to make of An infinitiely large crisis that is also a fight for the universe. How does something like that come about? And why is The Joker so fat?
This might also be the ugliest cover I’ve seen in recent memory. I’d say it was the ugliest comic art, but the recent issues of She-Hulk almost made me quit the title forever.
Seriously.. what is this?
Apparently, this title is based on a recent video game. Because we all know how well the major publishers do translating video games to the page.
Curse you Scott Adams! And not the Dilbert one. (Although come to think of it, I’m not that happy with him, either)
DC! You’re failing so hard with this title, you’re making me nostalgic for Questprobe. Please, stop monkeying around with new universes.
Multiversity #1
Multiversity #1. By: Grant Morrison, Ivan Reis. DC Comics.
………..SIGH…….
I’m not even going to read the description. Please tell me you’re not trying for a gritty reboot of Captain Carrot. Seeing this cover makes me want to go back in time and prevent myself from ever reading a DC title. If you’re messing with Captain Carrot, you’ve totally lost your marbles.
I need to find a way to calm my nerves after seeing this one.
Oh, no. I accidentally just looked at the solicit for this one. I’m not copying a pasting it here. It’s a TRAIN WRECK. If you want to see it, go ahead. But what you see cannot ever be unseen!
I don’t think I can dislike the current state of comics any more than I do this week. If the industry so bereft of ideas that every title makes my inner comics geek die a little more?
Steampunk Battlestar Galactica 1880 #1 (of 4). By: Tony Lee, Aneke, Ardian Syaf. Dynamite Entertainment.
This makes every molecule of my heart sad. I could write a whole post of what’s wrong with this book. And I still might… But I’m shell-shocked by the awfulness of this week’s titles right now.
Since I started this blog, over a year ago, this week has made me more sad then ever about where comics are. Maybe that says something about me. Perhaps I need a professional guide, like the Dragon’s Lair crew, before I venture into the wild world of comics.
I promise I’ll try harder next week. Until then, I suppose I should pick at least one GOOD comic of the week. And, appropos of this week, I’m picking this one:
Ms Marvel #1 (6th Printing)
Ms. Marvel #1. By: G. Willow Wilson, Adrian Alphona, Sara Pichelli. Marvel Comics.
In a weak week for comics, I’m going to just give a shout out to Ms. Marvel.
You know why this book is in its SIXTH printing? (I’m not going to get into the pricing dynamics and Marvel’s complex schema for maximizing profits). No. A sixth printing is still pretty rare. If you haven’t jumped on board with Ms. Marvel, you should. The success of this title just shows you how starved REAL comics fans are for something unique and different. The new Ms. Marvel is a revelation – calling back to the original uniqueness of Spider-man. Dealing with real teen issues in relatable ways, this is a book where you’ll care about the characters as much as the action.
That’s why the SIXTH PRINTING of Ms. Marvel #1 is still the official Hot Comic Pick of the Week.
I’m going to be doing these more regularly now that my schedule is settling down, and I’m getting used to the rarified air of Ohio. Let this be a warning to you comics. Step it up…
– CCG
Casual Comics Guy 